>
> >Apart from a colony with AFB ...  why is everyone talking about killing a
> colony?


My interest is for when I find a colony with a severe virus infection.  I do
not want that infection to spread to other hives.  So I want to kill the
colony on the spot.

In my commercial operation, I don't have time to go to the store for dry ice
(I ship bee samples regularly with dry ice) or for any method that will take
much time.  I need something that can be carried compactly in the truck,
ready to use at any time.  Cyanide fits (er, fit the bill when it was
legal), as would ether (not legal either).

Soapy water works well in the home yard--I use it when I sacrifice entire
colonies to determine total mite count.  Had never thought to simply pour it
over the combs for simply killing the bees (could add bleach to help
sanitize)--thanks Kim!

Thanks all for the good suggestions.

Randy Oliver

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